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United States Rick Mears is a legendary American open-wheel race car driver, renowned for his four Indianapolis 500 victories and three National Championship titles, now providing invaluable insights as a driver-coach and consultant for Team Penske.
Team Penske and Snap-on extended their multi-year partnership, building on one of the longest-running relationships in motorsport.
Mears works with all three drivers in his role as an advisor to Team Penske, providing valuable input.
The Penske team acquired the Pennzoil sponsorship, known for its yellow paint scheme, which was prominent on Mears' cars. Rick Mears discussed Pennzoil's partnership with Penske Racing.
Rick Mears was honored by the Road Racing Drivers Club.
Rick Mears, born on December 3, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Bakersfield, California, established an exceptional career in championship auto racing. His competitive journey began in off-road racing before he made his National Championship debut at the 1976 Ontario 500, finishing eighth. His remarkable talent quickly caught the attention of Roger Penske, leading to Mears joining Team Penske in 1977. This partnership defined his entire 15-year Indianapolis 500 career, where he imprinted his name in history.
Mears became an icon of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, securing four Indianapolis 500 wins in 1979, 1984, 1988, and 1991. He also holds the record for most pole positions at the event, with six starts from the pole. In addition to his Indy 500 triumphs, Mears was a three-time National Champion, winning the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series in 1979, 1981, and 1982. A testament to his skill and adaptability, he consistently ranked among the top contenders, including a second-place finish in the 1989 CART standings. By 1991, Mears was the first driver in IndyCar history to surpass $10 million in career earnings. He retired from racing at the end of the 1992 season but remained a critical part of the Penske organization as a driver-coach and consultant.
His career was marked by significant personal challenges, including severe leg injuries sustained in a 1984 crash at Sanair Super Speedway. Despite this, Mears demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to win races and maintain his competitive edge. His final Indy 500 victory in 1991, achieved less than 24 hours after a significant practice crash, highlighted his determination and skill, culminating in a daring pass for the lead with only 12 laps remaining. Throughout his career, Mears was known for his calm demeanor and strategic racing, a contrast to his daring on-track maneuvers. He was inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 1998, recognizing his immense contributions to the sport.
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